Psilocybin And The Magic Mushroom

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The term “magic mushroom”, coined in the middle of the 20th century, branches over the whole genus of Psilocybe plants. These plants are known to host a potent hallucinogen, by the name of psilocybin. It is believed that these “magic mushrooms” have been around longer than modern humans and have been used by many ancient civilizations. Statues depicting religious use of Psilocybe plants have been found as far back as 1,000 B.C. (Tomov 917). After a publication in Life magazine in 1957, detailing the findings of a plant named the “Psilocybin Mushroom”, it became a major drug craze in the US and England. It was widely used, and still is today, anywhere from recreationally to spiritual enlightenment. It has spurred many great thinkers and works …show more content…

These can be audio, visual, or sensory sensations that seem entirely real, but exist only in the mind of the user. The effects can vary depending on dose size, user mental stability and wellbeing, and surroundings. These can be either profoundly wonderful and enlightening during a good “trip”, or terrifying and nightmarish, during a bad …show more content…

Psychedelic drugs produce their effects by activating serotonin receptors, which is a chemical in the brain with its own set of uses and abilities. Similarly, anti-depressive medications also act upon serotonin receptors in the brain, switching them on or off. It is believed that many psychological disorders stem from an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine. Common treatments for depression include SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which increases serotonin in the brain to combat the deficit from the disorder. Psilocyn is a receptor agonist for the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor. This is important, because there are no SSRI’s that have direct 5-HT2A receptor agonists. Making Psilocyn a new class of anti-depressant medication which effects have not been explored clinically (Carhart-Harris 619). During a recent, controlled and professional, 2016 feasibility study on psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, they found

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